Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Dave on November 18, 2016, 09:39:08 PM
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I think most would have taken that, particularly as it could have easily been 4-1 us.
The Bruce train keeps trundling on.
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Good performance. Probably did enough to win but a draw is a good result.
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You swine!
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Played them off the park.Excellent
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Good away performance against decent opposition. Bossed the second half and probably deserved to win.
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Well, still unbeaten. We'll win games like that when Bruce learns the value of starting the game without passengers.
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If only Bruce had been our manager at the start of the season
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Best performance for a long, long time. Onwards and upwards.
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Very well played. Very good point.
Baker and Gardner look very good at this level.
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Win at home draw away should get us in play offs.
Good point when you think they tanked Norwich tother week
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It's getting better week on week.
Fitness much improved, set pieces much improved, going for a game rather than settling for a draw.
Adomah man of the match I thought, Hutton and Gabby were poor.
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We played well 2nd half and in the end was unlucky to only get a point. The side that finished should be the side that starts the next game.
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Best I've seen us play in ages. Deserved the win IMO.
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Should of won but didn't because we wasted like 60 minute playing that waste of space called Gabby.
Looked way more of a threat with him off the field where he belongs.
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Encouraging.
Also further proof that nothing in this division should concern us.
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Good point, very good second half especially after Jack came on.
Suspect we'll have to keep making do with this game of two halves thing though, at least until we get the magical, mystical midfielder who gives us a platform to control the game for 90 minutes. Gardner and Westwood worked hard and made few mistakes, but no surprise about the contrast when Grealish came on with his composure and skill on the ball.
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Superb second half should have won but would have taken a draw before the game. Thought jed and Albert were excellent.
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Great team effort. Looked so much better with Grealish on. Excellent point and Bruce marches on undefeated.
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Should've won that. Brighton so average...how are they second? I think we can still get an automatic spot.
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Easily the better team, thought Westwood did well in the first half and Grealish made a difference when he came on although a couple of negatives were Hutton and Agbonlahor who I'd be happy to never see in a Villa shirt again. Onwards and upwards, ace new manager bounce, they do exist after all.
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I'm so so happy with the direction that we are going, and I can't remember the last time I could say that!
The biggest difference for me is the way that I don't feel like we're going to concede or lose out of nowhere Now. Even their goal was an excellent strike, we suffocated them and that's so impressive
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Deserved a win on the play but it's good to see that the gaffer has this side the most organised I have seen in a long time. I thought before the game that Brighton would be a tough place to get a sniff of a point, but we dominated large parts of the game. The lads worked hard closing Brighton down, and the substitutions worked well too. Great support from the fans again.
Onwards and upwards.
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Best Championship game I've seen so far this season. We really ought to have won, pleased with a point though. Adomah well deserved MOM, Kodjia not so good tonight, Jack having the sort of impact we hoped we would in this division. Westwood did OK, Hutton was poor though.
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Should've won that. Brighton so average...how are they second? I think we can still get an automatic spot.
I do after watching that.
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Take the 11 who finished the game, put Bacuna in for Hutton, and we look like a really good team for this division especially with the organisation and discipline Bruce has brought to the table.
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Grealish is quite obviously the best player in this division and Ayew is close behind him.
What a pair of substitutes to be able to bring on !
James Chester and Nathan Baker are top class as well.
I think we may just get on a roll.
Happy with a draw before kick off but we were better than them.
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Enjoyed the game albert exciting and Westwood looked good! Keeps confidence up and I suspect that "that" demolition of a team will come next weekend!
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And to add...fair bloody play to Jedi to play the full game n a Friday night after flying half way round the world.
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Baker deserves a lot of credit. He's nailed down the spot now. He looks very good at this level. He's staying fit and is having a bit of luck with injuries right now (or lack there of). I'm delighted for him because he's always shown a lot of guts for us, in a position where we've had far too many gutless wonders playing.
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Kodjia not so good tonight...
Yet he had our two best chances.
I do wonder if Gestede would have thrived on the kind of service Albert was providing continuously from the right all evening though.
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Great result and performance
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good point, shit point.
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Don't see what all the condemnation of Gabby is for. Ok people think he should never play for Villa again and that is fair enough but Steve Bruce has told him what he wants from him and will play a line up that he feels will do the trick. Personally thought Gabby did a lot of closing down in the first half, as did the rest of the team, but he was doing it in their half of the field making the midfields job a lot easier.
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Should've won that. Brighton so average...how are they second? I think we can still get an automatic spot.
We were excellent though when not in possession, they won't come up against (and probably haven't been playing) teams that good every week. We got better as the game went on while in possession and our overall performance second half was excellent. If we play like we did second half for the majority of the season we'll definately make the play offs.
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Is that our players warming down after the match? We do mean business.
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That was our best performance under Bruce. Jedinak was utterly immense especially considering the week he's had.
Now then for the first and last time we were unlucky not to win it. I won't bang on about it for two weeks unlike fans of some other club.
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Fine with that point at a very tough away ground. We deserved a win and look like a solid good team.
This Steve Bruce bloke knows what he is doing. Happy to be wrong about him.
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It's very unlikely we'll get automatic promotion so not sure how you can argue this is anything but a very decent point.
Let's remember Norwich who are supposedly one of the best teams at this level got smashed 5-0 at Brighton the other week.
Most encouraging thing for me is we have far more attacking bite than we've had in most other games under Bruce...it was similar to the start of the season.
As long as we can continue winning home games we'll be in the top 6 by xmas.
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So glad 5 mins before kick off when I thought would have a dabble on Baker first & anytime 💰💰💰
Thanks Nathan :-)
Excellent performance against a decent side
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Don't see what all the condemnation of Gabby is for. Ok people think he should never play for Villa again and that is fair enough but Steve Bruce has told him what he wants from him and will play a line up that he feels will do the trick. Personally thought Gabby did a lot of closing down in the first half, as did the rest of the team, but he was doing it in their half of the field making the midfields job a lot easier.
Gabby did quite well but I'd still play Ayew before him, and Grealish playing like he did after he came on would have to be in the team as well, although I would still have him on the bench for the time being.
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Good result that. Well done lads.
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Don't see what all the condemnation of Gabby is for. Ok people think he should never play for Villa again and that is fair enough but Steve Bruce has told him what he wants from him and will play a line up that he feels will do the trick. Personally thought Gabby did a lot of closing down in the first half, as did the rest of the team, but he was doing it in their half of the field making the midfields job a lot easier.
He ran around a lot and provided a degree of nuisance value.
But he was pretty dreadful anytime the ball came anywhere near him.
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Fair result, thought we would win in second half but Gollini save equaled it out.
Grealish and Ayew, what a pair to bring on.
Hutton was always potentially going to fuck it up.
Organised and pressing, bring on the new midfield ace in Jan, and away we go.
Enjoy the night out in Brighton, second biggest crowd at this ground.
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Sloppy 1st half. Great 2nd.
How marvellous to see two teams going for the win in the 90+ minutes.
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Amazed Gabby started tonight tbh.
Could be just done to internationals, he'll have to do far more than running around a bit to be a week in week out starter for rest of the season.
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Superb performance, Jack was class, gotta start next Saturday.
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1 loss in 10 as well now, not bad considering last few seasons. Looking like we are a hard time to beat, hopefully we can build on it now.
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I get that Bruce wants to rehabilitate Gabby into the first team squad but he should never start ahead of Ayew. Just showing some effort for the first time in 4 years just isn't enough.
Good performance though, we looked the better side throughout and created most of the chances.
Brighton did well to stay with us. Entertaining game, 2 good teams, if only we wernt so far off the pace points wise.
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The difference for me is that we have natural width. No longer do we rely on full backs to supply width. We can enjoy football again.
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It's disappointing not to win that, but by Christ have we improved under Bruce.
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Brighton were happy with the point second half.
As well as we've picked up last 6 weeks we're still 13 points off them so they'll look at it as stopping us slowly creeping up on them with a win.
Will take some run to catch them...you never know though. They don't win 4-5 games over xmas like last season and we do....suddenly they're well within range.
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Agree with others, Bruce picks the team and has a plan.
Gabby, Harried, chased and harassed their back line.
stopped them playing the ball out from the back.
then bring on Ayew and Grealish.
Bit like an opening batsman taking the shine off the ball.
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What a difference to see substitutions that mean we are taking the game to the opponents, rather than trying to limit the damage
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Decent result. Excellent performance.
Deserved to win that and that second half performance is the best I've seen us play for a long time. We looked hungry, pressed the ball and the players actually looked like they care and were playing for the manager.
Progress is clear to see and that's the most important thing.
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It's disappointing not to win that, but by Christ have we improved under Bruce.
After seeing the improvement last few weeks I'm very confident now we'll finish in the play offs.
SB is very good at the basics at this level....RDM was fcuking clueless at them hence so many wasted games.
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Good performance that. Adomah and Westwood had a good understanding and created a fair few chances, Jedi was solid and Jack was a class above when he came on.
Gabby offered nothing and Hutton was awful, team that finished with a decent right back and we're in a good place.
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Ladies and Gents, Boys and Girls.
Villa are back in business.
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Preparation, organisation, determination. It makes all the fucking difference.
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Good result that. Well done lads.
This
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The difference for me is that we have natural width. No longer do we rely on full backs to supply width. We can enjoy football again.
Totally agree with all that. Adomah has been a revelation and we don't have to rely on full backs who don't have the ability to get forward and provide crosses anymore. I'm no Hutton fan but to be fair ask him just to defend and he can do a job. At last we seem to have square pegs in square holes, well drilled, organised, determined, gutsy.. wtf ... can't believe I'm describing Villa ! Well done Bruce, top bloke and a proper football manager. Can enjoy football again and be proud of us once more. UTV !
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We have width at long last. We have Jack doing what we know he can do. A few additions in Jan and we'll be there or there about. Keep iup the very good work Bruce.
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For the first time I have genuine belief that we will make an impact this season.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that the away end was half empty at KO, cue cat calls and piss takes from all and sundry. Until 10 minutes later.
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Enjoyed that. Thought we played well. Needed to be a bit more clinical, but that'll come.
Disappointed with a draw against an in form team. That's not too bad a feeling is it.
As much as I am one of his biggest critics, I thought Westwood did well. He was busy, and popping up in more advanced positions. Credit where credit 's due.
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Great post match chat from Brucie.
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Excellent performance, just need to turn the domination into goals. Looking forward to Cardiff next week now.
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By far the better side overall..unlucky not to win and happy with a point.
Think they said Grealish was ill hence not starting and Ayew was on international duty...but imo those two should start for us.
Gardner and Westwood did ok but do nothing in general as attacking threats go.
And I thought Amavi was superb again..getting fitter and better every game.
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Great performance from the Manager, team and travelling fans, they all did us proud. Thank you UTV
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Great post match chat from Brucie.
What did he say?
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When Bruce was appointed a few of us said he at least he'd get them organised and we're pretty much mocked for using that as a positive. He's certainly got them organised.
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He just talks total sense to me. This as good a match of a manager we have had since Brian in my opinion.
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There's a very good chance I might start enjoying watching the Villa again.
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He just talks total sense to me. This as good a match of a manager we have had since Brian in my opinion.
When it comes to the right man at the right time he's up there with BFR.
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Thoroughly enjoyed that and am in 'warm glow mode' now. I love it when Villa play well. We bossed that game for nearly the entireity of it. I don't mean that with any disrespect to Brighton, who clearly play good, exciting football - we just played damn well, stifled them, yet created so many opportunities for ourselves. That period of pressure where we had about 6 corners in a row. I'd forgotten what that sort of thing was like.
Nice one Villa.
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Adomah , think he didn't waste single free kick or corner. And he was good with a live ball as well.
Kodjia, bit anonymous first hour but covered a lot ground chasing down. Bit crowded by Gabby who picked up the chances wherever something we got through. Much more dangerous after Grealish came on and linked up play.
Gabby, to be honest the only time it looked like Brighton would take this is the period right after he went off. Lost some physical presence and they found they could just walk right over Westwood and Gardner. After Grealish came on, Westwood dropped back beside Jedi and let Jack link up with Kodjia and Ayew it was all Villa to the end.
Westwood , its not even his worst game. He works hard, his pointing is surly accurate and he got excellent percentage for sideways and passing it backwards.... Its just when we depend on him to link up attackers there is something missing. Skill, confidence, courage, talent...something! Then in every game there seems to be 2-3 times when we get in excellent position and the ball falls to him...and he finish so eagerly and so very very badly!!
When he tries so sit back in front of defenders, its even worse. He is there, so it looks safe and the next minute he just brushed aside and a path opens like The Red Sea. Today he managed to get toppled over (twice!) by a player he tried to stop using so many arms and legs that he got booked for it!!
I'm sure he is a wonder in training and a delight to have around at Bodymoore ...but if every manager promptly have to reward him by using him at gameday...cant we make him a mascot or something?
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I'm sure i'm not alone in this but the next match just cant come quickly enough this season - and for positive reasons. The weekend is something to look forward to again for the first time in about 4 years.
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And Westwood put in a very good performance, hassling and chasing at every opportunity
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Westwood had a decent game today. It's just that even Westwood's best game isn't anywhere near good enough. A must-replace in January.
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I know one thing - Norwich must be really shite to lose 5-0 to that lot. If they get promoted, they will be relegated pretty sharpish.
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1-1 at the American Express Stadium ......That'll do nicely
https://youtu.be/SY8UJgGZlIg
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And Westwood put in a very good performance, hassling and chasing at every opportunity
He was a man possessed today. I thought that he was going to get himself sent off
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And Westwood put in a very good performance, hassling and chasing at every opportunity
He was a man possessed today. I thought that he was going to get himself sent off
I had to do a double take when I saw him tackle someone.
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Didn't see the first half but second half we were easily the better team and should have won. I think the club is finally on the up! Can't wait for next week.
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Westwood had a decent game today. It's just that even Westwood's best game isn't anywhere near good enough. A must-replace in January.
Aye. On the Westwood scale, I'd say that was an 8 or 9/10 performance for him. Which is probably on about a par with a 4 or 5/10 performance for a decent player.
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And Westwood put in a very good performance, hassling and chasing at every opportunity
He was a man possessed today. I thought that he was going to get himself sent off
As far I can see, and I have a very good vantage point at VP from the half way line of the Upper Witton Lane, Westie's bookings almost always involve him being knocked off the ball like a piece of rice paper and then running back to foul the knocker-offer, usually from behind,
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I know one thing - Norwich must be really shite to lose 5-0 to that lot. If they get promoted, they will be relegated pretty sharpish.
Just enjoy the result and don't take cheap shots at a very good team. The 5-0 was a freak match where everything fell for Brighton and likewise everything went wrong for Norwich.
A really postive away point and I don't see many teams getting anything from there place this season. Its good to hear that the performance was very good, because so far we've been getting better results under Bruce but some of the performances haven't matched them. Its certainly a good sign that we feel hard done by not to win. Steady progress again and if we do the business against Cardiff it will set us up for a tricky December nicely.
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I thought we were the better team in both halves, and should have won comfortably. Some of the combination play was excellent.
Hutton, if picked, should be told to stay in his own half, where he is vaguely competent. Ditto Ally.
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Like
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Battered them second half and should have won.
Absolute dog of a location, especially with the M25 to negotiate on a Friday night. Loads of us missed the kick off.
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I thought we were the better team in both halves, and should have won comfortably. Some of the combination play was excellent.
Hutton, if picked, should be told to stay in his own half, where he is vaguely competent. Ditto Ally.
but is he really competent in defence? The first free kick they got was soft but it came from their winger just stepping a couple of yards off his shoulder and then Hutton was always chasing back. They had a chance to get a cross in towards the end because Hutton decided to abandon his position and rush out to the halfway line for no reason. That's just the first 2 defensive brain farts that spring to mind, he did 2-3 others where Adomah or Chester bailed him out.
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And Westwood put in a very good performance, hassling and chasing at every opportunity
He was a man possessed today. I thought that he was going to get himself sent off
As far I can see, and I have a very good vantage point at VP from the half way line of the Upper Witton Lane, Westie's bookings almost always involve him being knocked off the ball like a piece of rice paper and then running back to foul the knocker-offer, usually from behind,
Can't disagree with that, have a similar opinion from K5 Upper Holte
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Fabulously baker boy got his first goal and solid al round. After the agbonlahor announcement of starting hoped as ever fir more but he would have been better left wing and kodja as the main striker. Great impact by jack . Adomah effortlessly again atop performer. Hutton ridiculous at passing and crossing. Westwood became apparent 2nd half right from kick off though was out muscles and out fought several occasions. Pretty annoyed didn't get all 3 points especially i predicted a win anf said Brighton defensive suspect at set plays and qualit6 which with out doubt we have. Also annoyed conceded just on half time which prompted Bruce to get somevplayers going second half. And that they did. Gestede should have been on for the corners. Also I thibk gabby only started due to ayew being away. On internationals. He and kodja kids should jave swapped places.
The main thing was the difference in performance and not result.
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Just frustrated as Brighton one of top teams and owned them
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If we really want to push on, at some point we're going to have to stop making excuses for Ashley 'gossamer' Westwood.
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Very proud tonight and feel so confident for the future. Onwards and upwards
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If we really want to push on, at some point we're going to have to stop making excuses for Ashley 'gossamer' Westwood.
Between now an Jan, he should only really be cover for injury or suspension. After that, bomb him out altogether.
We won't though.
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Wow, I predicted a thumping but didn't think it would be us handing it out (well, not quite but for that spell in the second half it looked like we were doing just that).
We should all take massive confidence from tonight. There is absolutely nothing to fear in this division.
I liked the way both managers and the injured Brighton player, Rosenior, spoke after the game. Very professional and intelligent. And Chris Hughton is a gent. It seems Calderwood's decision took even him by surprise. Can't be easy losing your assistant to tonight's opponents after years working together and yet he was still complimentary about our performance.
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We're moving in the right direction. There's so much talent there, it's just a matter of time. Second half was extremely encouraging. It's great to see how when this team match or even work harder than the opposition just what can be achieved.
To be fair to Potatohead, he's hardly had them all together for more than a few days since he's been here. He's sorted out his back room staff, he's got the players believing that nothing comes without hard work and the lads will be going home tonight knowing it was two points dropped but we're moving in the right direction.
Finally, our support is brilliant. They really deserve the best. It will come. KTF.
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Just whisper it but I'm starting to think Villa are on the road back.
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I thought we were the better team in both halves, and should have won comfortably. Some of the combination play was excellent.
Hutton, if picked, should be told to stay in his own half, where he is vaguely competent. Ditto Ally.
but is he really competent in defence? The first free kick they got was soft but it came from their winger just stepping a couple of yards off his shoulder and then Hutton was always chasing back. They had a chance to get a cross in towards the end because Hutton decided to abandon his position and rush out to the halfway line for no reason. That's just the first 2 defensive brain farts that spring to mind, he did 2-3 others where Adomah or Chester bailed him out.
I can see where you are coming from as he has his weaknesses, but if Hutton stays in line, he can force any wide player to the outside and then stop the cross from coming in. Many modern full backs, wing backs or whatever they are called theses days can't do this. It takes nous, speed and a certain amount of bravery to put in the block.
In addition, when the attack comes from the other wing, he is a more than capable ad-hoc central defender.
Finally, he does a good reducer which is still useful.
In short, don't make him be chasing back.
I will be most interested to see if this position is high on SB's priority list of replacements in January.
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I will be most interested to see if this position is high on SB's priority list of replacements in January.
The trouble is, there can't be many right backs who would be good enough to get into the team in January but then be happy as a reserve once de Laet is back.
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Saw the second half after work and thought we were comfortably the better side in that period. I thought Grealish showed some real quality at times when he came on and I would have thought aboug bringing Gestede on as so many balls were going into the box. If he can makd the midfield a bit more robust in January (said in another thread that someone like Meyler from Hull would be a good buy) we should be in decent shape. I have been critical of them in the past, but Amavi and Baker seem to be growing in confidence with each game.
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Commentator mentioned their midfielder Kayal being linked with us, which is the first I have heard of that.
Looked alright at Celtic, but that's one step away from part-time football. No idea how good he has been for Brighton. Prob not very good if Sidwell is getting in ahead of him.
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I will be most interested to see if this position is high on SB's priority list of replacements in January.
The trouble is, there can't be many right backs who would be good enough to get into the team in January but then be happy as a reserve once de Laet is back.
Loan maybe Dave? That said, not really sure we need one if Bacuna is going to be played there.
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He just talks total sense to me. This as good a match of a manager we have had since Brian in my opinion.
When it comes to the right man at the right time he's up there with BFR.
Totally agree. I just didn't want to diss Brian...
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In my opinion we need:
One new right back.
One defence splitting midfielder.
Maybe another striker on loan to cover the African cup players.
I was in two minds about Amavi but his last two away games he has been tremendous and you can quite clearly see he has had some coaching on the defensive side.
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Played well and want to praise all...
...except Gabby, who was poor as usual.
The last player we need to get rid of to remove any of the losing matches and accepting it attitude (though I don't like Hutton and Ally, I don't think you can deny they serve a purpose for the team. Plus they haven't acted in a twattish manner like Gabby has).
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That was the most entertaining game I have seen involving Villa in a long time. Their goal was a cracker but they didn't offer much else. Jack and Ayew must start. Gabby looks interested and fitter and is an option. Things looking good. Onwards and upwards.
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Thanks for all the comments, for various reasons I ended up not going tonight and clearly missed a fine perfornance, it's so good to catch up and read people feeling they've got their club back.
Could we have dared dream for a better Brucie bounce?
The singer who organised & invited me to the Leonard Cohen tribute I went to instead said she hoped it was worth missing the football for (there were moments of sheer beauty), having been in a signal-less basement my comment was I'd have to check the result! It's been a dark period for Villa, and especially in the current political climate it's great they are bringing some hope! Up the villa (finally)!
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Another positive to take from tonight (not necessarily the biggest, but it does contribute to our overall fortitude and recovery) is another game without the late goal against.
A couple of weeks ago that shot from their winger cutting in from the left late on goes in.
It will take us a while to get the monkey off of our back completely. But it feels like a late goal against is possible now, rather than inevitable.
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Thanks for all the comments, for various reasons I ended up not going tonight and clearly missed a fine perfornance, it's so good to catch up and read people feeling they've got their club back.
Could we have dared dream for a better Brucie bounce?
The singer who organised & invited me to the Leonard Cohen tribute I went to instead said she hoped it was worth missing the football for (there were moments of sheer beauty), having been in a signal-less basement my comment was I'd have to check the result! It's been a dark period for Villa, and especially in the current political climate it's great they are bringing some hope! Up the villa (finally)!
Yes, nice reading all the positive comments even though it makes me jel having not seen it.
I was at work 1-9. Earlier in the week I said I had an eye test at 7.30. The gaffer didn't fall for that. Then I found out about a health and safety meeting at 11.30 which I blagged my way into and so engineered myself an early dart. When I got home my wifi was down so couldn't watch on my father-in-law's Sky Go, which is linked to my iPad. At the end of the game, which I followed on here, I said to the missus 'I can't believe I ran round like a twat all day getting all my work done early to watch the game and then I come home and the wifi's not working'. 'It only needs rebooting' she said.
True enough, it worked. 'What a shame you never thought of that earlier' I said sarcastically.
Modern football eh?
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In addition, when the attack comes from the other wing, he is a more than capable ad-hoc central defender
I think that this is the weakest part of his game. The number of times he lets players get in front of him. Is this due to misreading of the situation or lack of concentration, I don't know.
I didn't see the match as I am in Thailand and at 3am trying to find it on the hotel TV, I gave up and went to bed. Normally I would follow the match on here but being first night after the flight and a few beers, bed seemed the better option. Sounds as though it was a good game and we played well. Once again pleased for the travelling fans, who I have a great deal of respect for.
Somebody commented that they felt that we didn't look losing at any time. I felt like that during the Blues match. I don't know what it is but you just have this sense.
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I'm enjoying watching the Villa again. It's a while since I used the words "enjoyment" and "Villa" in the same sentence.
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And Westwood put in a very good performance, hassling and chasing at every opportunity
He was a man possessed today. I thought that he was going to get himself sent off
I had to do a double take when I saw him tackle someone.
if he gets near the team after January, I for one will be disappointed. he's lightweight I agree he tried against brighton, but he is not good enough.
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Westwood is a decent passers-by but simply weak in the tackle and gets easily out-muscled in 50-50 situation. Bacuna next time please.
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In my opinion we need:
One new right back.
One defence splitting midfielder.
Maybe another striker on loan to cover the African cup players.
The 'new right back' was supposed to be and hopefully will be De Laet.
Gabby can only be playing to get some cover for January as I can't see he will ever be good enough now.
But we do need a top central midfielder as Gardner and Westwood work hard but ...
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My ratings
Gollini 7
Hutton 6 - going forwards 3
Chester 7
Baker 7
Amavi 7
Westwood 7
Jedinak 8
Gardner 6
Adomah 8
Gabby 5 (worked hard but can't think of 1 good thing?)
Kodjia 6
Ayew 6
Grealish 8
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Stuck in hospital limited wifi didn't realise we were playing on Friday
Great to read the positive comments, even BBC referred to our second half onslaught. More please.
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To go away to the form team in the division and be the better team and have their manager happy with a point shows what a good performance it was. Bruce has us better organised, plays players in their best positions, uses the squad well and appears to have improved the overall fitness of the players.
After a team performance like that I don't think it is fair for individuals to be singled out for criticism because they all played a part in the win and over the course of a season we are going to need contributions from more than just a core dozen players.
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I will be most interested to see if this position is high on SB's priority list of replacements in January.
The trouble is, there can't be many right backs who would be good enough to get into the team in January but then be happy as a reserve once de Laet is back.
Loan maybe Dave? That said, not really sure we need one if Bacuna is going to be played there.
There's also Bacuna who has been very good this season.
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Highlights (http://www.skysports.com/football/brighton-vs-a-villa/358305)
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To go away to the form team in the division and be the better team and have their manager happy with a point shows what a good performance it was. Bruce has us better organised, plays players in their best positions, uses the squad well and appears to have improved the overall fitness of the players.
After a team performance like that I don't think it is fair for individuals to be singled out for criticism because they all played a part in the win and over the course of a season we are going to need contributions from more than just a core dozen players.
It's great when a draw feels like a win, which is exactly how it felt.
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Must admit I was surprised when queuing at Brighton station to get train to the game (nightmare) that Gabby was playing and even more surprised when he started up to with Kodjia wide left, but think it may have something to do with the international duties.
Have to say I really enjoyed that performance and not just cos I had a couple of quid on Baker as first scorer with sky bet at 100/1. We look a good team in possession and when we didn't have the ball. Thought Jedinak just edged Albert for man of the match and thought Jack was superb when he came on. Think it is unfair to criticise players after a performance like that and am sure the manager will be aware where he needs to improve in January. It is just nice to see a team putting in a shift and seemingly enjoying playing for the club again.
Nightmare getting away from the ground after back into Brighton, tried train and bus and ended up with me and the lad hitching a cab with a couple. Nice ground but they need to sort out their transport. I was speaking with some Brighton fans on the train back from Brighton and they were very complimentary about Villa, except for one bloke who said we only looked good as we caught them on a bad night and Grealish did nothing when he came on and even then we were lucky to get a draw. Just laughed at his assessment.
Well done to the manager and players, and brilliant support by the fans and this was also noted by the Brighton fans who I was speaking to.
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Thanks for all the comments, for various reasons I ended up not going tonight and clearly missed a fine perfornance, it's so good to catch up and read people feeling they've got their club back.
Could we have dared dream for a better Brucie bounce?
The singer who organised & invited me to the Leonard Cohen tribute I went to instead said she hoped it was worth missing the football for (there were moments of sheer beauty), having been in a signal-less basement my comment was I'd have to check the result! It's been a dark period for Villa, and especially in the current political climate it's great they are bringing some hope! Up the villa (finally)!
Yes, nice reading all the positive comments even though it makes me jel having not seen it.
I was at work 1-9. Earlier in the week I said I had an eye test at 7.30. The gaffer didn't fall for that. Then I found out about a health and safety meeting at 11.30 which I blagged my way into and so engineered myself an early dart. When I got home my wifi was down so couldn't watch on my father-in-law's Sky Go, which is linked to my iPad. At the end of the game, which I followed on here, I said to the missus 'I can't believe I ran round like a twat all day getting all my work done early to watch the game and then I come home and the wifi's not working'. 'It only needs rebooting' she said.
True enough, it worked. 'What a shame you never thought of that earlier' I said sarcastically.
Modern football eh?
Modern marriage?
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I know it probably seems a bit unfair as they worked hard but I think Bacuna playing instead of Hutton or Westwood and we would have won.
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I know it probably seems a bit unfair as they worked hard but I think Bacuna playing instead of Hutton or Westwood and we would have won.
Bacuna instead of both of them and we'd win handsomely.
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My ratings
Gollini 7
Hutton 6 - going forwards 3
Chester 7
Baker 7
Amavi 7
Westwood 7
Jedinak 8
Gardner 6
Adomah 8
Gabby 5 (worked hard but can't think of 1 good thing?)
Kodjia 6
Ayew 6
Grealish 8
Thought Hutton was very poor in the attacking third with nothing to offer with his forays forward which then left the left flank very exposed to counter-attack 5
Amarvi was a bit of a liability in defence and looked more comfortable when we were in the ascendancy going forward 6
Gardner was anonymous whilst Jedinak and Westwood had their best games in a long while.
Gabby Huff and puff but no product would prefer to see RHM given a go
Kodjia and Ayew both short of their best but gave glimpses of what they could do.
Adomah and Jedinak were rivals for the MOM
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Thanks for all the comments, for various reasons I ended up not going tonight and clearly missed a fine perfornance, it's so good to catch up and read people feeling they've got their club back.
Could we have dared dream for a better Brucie bounce?
The singer who organised & invited me to the Leonard Cohen tribute I went to instead said she hoped it was worth missing the football for (there were moments of sheer beauty), having been in a signal-less basement my comment was I'd have to check the result! It's been a dark period for Villa, and especially in the current political climate it's great they are bringing some hope! Up the villa (finally)!
Yes, nice reading all the positive comments even though it makes me jel having not seen it.
I was at work 1-9. Earlier in the week I said I had an eye test at 7.30. The gaffer didn't fall for that. Then I found out about a health and safety meeting at 11.30 which I blagged my way into and so engineered myself an early dart. When I got home my wifi was down so couldn't watch on my father-in-law's Sky Go, which is linked to my iPad. At the end of the game, which I followed on here, I said to the missus 'I can't believe I ran round like a twat all day getting all my work done early to watch the game and then I come home and the wifi's not working'. 'It only needs rebooting' she said.
True enough, it worked. 'What a shame you never thought of that earlier' I said sarcastically.
Modern football eh?
Modern marriage?
I have no complaints most of the time.
Unlike her.
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Took almost 4 hours to get back to London, 4 trains 1 buss and 55 quid in 3 taxis.
Great atmosphere again
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Spent more time queuing for trains that watching football. I won't bother going if were unlucky enough to have to play there again. Shame because we had a brilliant afternoon in Brighton.
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I don't care who's in the top two. We will hunt them down. Teams are going to have to worry about us for a change.
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About 15 Bournemouth Lions met in a pub not more than 3 miles from the ground that ran its own shuttle bus. Easy enough, although quite a wait to get back to the pub afterwards. Didn't think much of the Amex. The whole build up to the game felt more like going to a concert than to watch football. How lucky we are to have such a wonderful stadium as Villa Park. Walking up to the game is just part of the whole match day experience. Great performance and support.
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My ratings
Gollini 7
Hutton 6 - going forwards 3
Chester 7
Baker 7
Amavi 7
Westwood 7
Jedinak 8
Gardner 6
Adomah 8
Gabby 5 (worked hard but can't think of 1 good thing?)
Kodjia 6
Ayew 6
Grealish 8
Amarvi was a bit of a liability in defence and looked more comfortable when we were in the ascendancy going forward 6
Agree with that. He did some good things there but his ability to read the flight of the ball is shocking. I've noticed it a few times now where he could easily have let in the player he's supposed to be marking.
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My ratings
Gollini 7
Hutton 6 - going forwards 3
Chester 7
Baker 7
Amavi 7
Westwood 7
Jedinak 8
Gardner 6
Adomah 8
Gabby 5 (worked hard but can't think of 1 good thing?)
Kodjia 6
Ayew 6
Grealish 8
Amarvi was a bit of a liability in defence and looked more comfortable when we were in the ascendancy going forward 6
Agree with that. He did some good things there but his ability to read the flight of the ball is shocking. I've noticed it a few times now where he could easily have let in the player he's supposed to be marking.
I'm also unsure about Amavi, he is ok but no more than that, defensively he frightens me and we need someone more solid.
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Surprised with that....Garry Thompson on WM was raving about Amavi....said his positional play was spot on.
What I would like as the season progresses is for our full backs to be given more licence to get forward as Amavi can certainly add quality in the final third with his crossing.
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I thought amavi started dodgily but got better both defensively and offensively
Jedinak. All I can say is I now see the player he was supposed to be. It's great to have such an effective screen in front of the defence
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I'm also in the not-so-sure-about-Amavi camp. His defending is very hit and miss, and I'm not convinced about him going forward either. I wonder if his massive price tag, his Frenchness and his attractive ginger hair have anything to do with his popularity?
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Or maybe it takes time for talented left backs to fully get over bad injuries?
That Luke Shaw guy at Man. United isn't pulling up any trees this season is he?
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Or maybe it takes time for talented left backs to fully get over bad injuries?
That Luke Shaw guy at Man. United isn't pulling up any trees this season is he?
Indeed. He's been back for a few months after basically a year out and he's also a young player.
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I know it probably seems a bit unfair as they worked hard but I think Bacuna playing instead of Hutton or Westwood and we would have won.
Bacuna instead of both of them and we'd win handsomely.
The same Bacuna who was widely reviled last season?
Or this season's new, improved version?
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About 15 Bournemouth Lions met in a pub not more than 3 miles from the ground that ran its own shuttle bus. Easy enough, although quite a wait to get back to the pub afterwards. Didn't think much of the Amex. The whole build up to the game felt more like going to a concert than to watch football. How lucky we are to have such a wonderful stadium as Villa Park. Walking up to the game is just part of the whole match day experience. Great performance and support.
you must get pretty knackered - or pretty fit - to walk up to the game. How far is it? - must be about 280 miles.
:-)
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[The Bruce train keeps trundling on.
[/quote]
I now have visions of the Fat Controller
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Missed the Bruce and Hughton post-match interviews - anyone know where I can find them?
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Or maybe it takes time for talented left backs to fully get over bad injuries?
That Luke Shaw guy at Man. United isn't pulling up any trees this season is he?
You may be right, and I'm fully prepared to give him a chance. I just haven't seen anything much from him that suggests he's as good as some are making out. I hope he proves me wrong, just like Jedinak is proving a lot of people wrong.
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Hutton, Amavi, Agbonlahor - none of them up to it
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Houghton clearly knew that we set up with the fullbacks playing fairly close to the centre backs in order not to leave gaps down the side . They tried to keep their wide men hugging the touchline and hit them with accurate cross field balls, I think it harsh to criticise the fullbacks in this circumstance as it is a combination of them sticking to the game plan and the accuracy of the passing.
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Houghton clearly knew that we set up with the fullbacks playing fairly close to the centre backs in order not to leave gaps down the side . They tried to keep their wide men hugging the touchline and hit them with accurate cross field balls, I think it harsh to criticise the fullbacks in this circumstance as it is a combination of them sticking to the game plan and the accuracy of the passing.
Fully agree with this. We let their wingers have a lot of the ball, but Chester and Baker are very comfortable at dealing with crosses so I certainly think it was a tactical decision. Amavi and Hutton had to close down those players AFTER starting from quite a narrow position, so it made it look as though they were out of position but I certainly think it was by design, so I think a bit unfair to criticise both FBs after they got used to the system.
Other than that one header Murray had in second half we restricted him as an aerial threat so you can argue that it worked pretty well, too (as his goal was excellent).
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Preparation, organisation, determination. It makes all the fucking difference.
In an nutshell. Even in 6 games where on occasions we have been under cosh we have remained solid enough.
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Missed the Bruce and Hughton post-match interviews - anyone know where I can find them?
http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10662638/bruce-delight-at-second-half-showing
I'm very kind.
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Missed the Bruce and Hughton post-match interviews - anyone know where I can find them?
http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10662638/bruce-delight-at-second-half-showing
I'm very kind.
You certainly are. Thanks for that
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In the years I have supported AVFC we have been at our best when club, players and fans believe in each other.
We the fans have stuck with the club and been, possibly, the only positive constant for 5 years. Now the club have a man in charge (Dr T)who seems to understand some of this so appointed a decent manager to fix the last piece of the puzzle, the players.
I am starting to believe...
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Missed the Bruce and Hughton post-match interviews - anyone know where I can find them?
http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10662638/bruce-delight-at-second-half-showing
I'm very kind.
You certainly are. Thanks for that
More kindness ;) All the links from here http://www.skysports.com/aston-villa-videos
That one plus comments on Calderwood from Bruce, gentleman Hughton & highlights.
Teach a man to fish and all that
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Lovely goal from Brighton but, other than that, I thought we made them look very ordinary. We can beat anyone in this division and are building a good foundation for a 31 game push.
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I thought Amavi done alright, after a bit of a dodgy period, he kept their winger quiet, he eventually got subbed. Apart from 20 minutes, we played the form team of the league off the park, we are certainly heading in the right direction. Hello to the chap I spoke to in the Lion and Lobster pub just off from the sea front, forgot to ask if he was from this parish. UTV
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Cracking game and night out. Atmosphere was top drawer. I wasn't that thrilled when SB came but have been proved wrong. He is taking us up if not this season then next. Last night was a milestone. We are well and truly back.
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Stayed in the hilton walked into the reception just after 12 midday and bumped into amavi kodjia sissokho and ayew all happy to pose for pics then later got pics with whole team and Bruce to, great night out after even if getting to the game and back again was terrible.
Brilliant performance should of got all 3 points but the show from the lads can only inspire confidence for the rest of the season
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I thought Amavi done alright, after a bit of a dodgy period, he kept their winger quiet, he eventually got subbed. Apart from 20 minutes, we played the form team of the league off the park, we are certainly heading in the right direction. Hello to the chap I spoke to in the Lion and Lobster pub just off from the sea front, forgot to ask if he was from this parish. UTV
Don't get me wrong , I think he's learning on the job, the more he plays the better he will get.
Far better than AC in my opinion
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I am now looking forward to our play-off final victory against the Rags.
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Many good aspects to the evening in Brighton. I was mainly worried about transport to and from the ground, which I have bad past experiences of, but this time it worked very well. We took the 25 bus to the ground and were dropped off at the away end. After the game we stayed in the concourse for about 20 minutes and had a final drink, then took the same bus back, avoiding all the train queues which I gather were something like an hour long. After picking us up the bus drove straight through without stopping.
The ground is very good, one of the best. There's lots of space in the concourse, very different from, say, QPR or Burnley. There's plenty of toilet provision, even for such a full away end. The catering is excellent, with very good pies and decent beer, unlike what you get served at most grounds, including Villa.
As for the game, I was very encouraged, even though after today's results we've slipped back to 16th. We were definitely the better team and were unlucky not to win. I'm sure it won't be long before we string a few wins together and get into the play-off places. I was impressed by Jedinak, again, especially as he wasn't getting a lot of help in midfield from Gardner and Westwood. As someone said earlier, Westwood ran around a lot - but that's about it. I'd certainly have played Bacuna there. My man of the match, even before Sky announced it, was Adoma, who has looked very dangerous in the last few games. Central defence is fine and I'm rather relieved that Elphick still hasn't been able to get back after his injury. I think Amavi played pretty well, but we certainly need a replacement for Hutton, who doesn't offer much going forward and is a liability at the back.
Despite those reservations, it was a pleasing team effort, with considerable promise for the future.
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Good crack in the pub pre- match and then a horrible journey to the ground. The stadium is bland but the concourse space, food & drink layout and looks are all better than most grounds. Some nice simple touches too - Villa crests on the pies and posters thanking Villa fans for making a 350 mile round trip. The staff were very polite and friendly too.
The journey back to Brighton is abysmal, and I didn't get back to London till 2-20. God only knows how people got home to Brum. Southern trains are an absolute joke. Mates in Brighton tell me their club have been complaining on Twitter today.
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Stayed in the hilton walked into the reception just after 12 midday and bumped into amavi kodjia sissokho and ayew all happy to pose for pics then later got pics with whole team and Bruce to, great night out after even if getting to the game and back again was terrible.
The Hilton? Ya posh fecker..
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Brighton fans on train back was saying there hS been strikes on southern trains now for months and it just keeps getting worse taxi driver to us that they are not Llowed anywhere near the ground either
Like the saying
" if you build it they will come"
Yea but how you getting back
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Eamon
It's the villa gotta be done in style
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For some reason I'm wholly disappointed that what seems like a decent result has ended with us dropping to 16th in the table. Just shows the run we need to go on to sustain a top 6 challenge.
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For a change, I thought we played well both halves. We should have won although I wouldn't have been unhappy with a point before the game. I thought Amavi was decent and Jedinak did pretty well considering he maybe could have done with sitting it out and having a rest.
My first time to Brighton. The ground wasn't as great as some people made it out to be and walking on that pebble beach was hard work after a few beers this morning.
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I still think we need to get used to this division, because we'll still be it in next year.
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Hutton, Amavi, Agbonlahor - none of them up to it
You really want Cissokho playing again? He was giving away a penalty a game before he was taken out of the team.
Agree on the other two.
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6 hours to get to the match from Birmingham. Hey ho.
Villa deserved to win.
2 1/4 hours to get back home.
Favourite chant.
We can see you,
We can see you,
Holding hands,
Holding hands.
The away Villa fans are fantastic. I salute all of you.
There may be other clubs that have better away support than the Villa.
But not many.
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I still think we need to get used to this division, because we'll still be it in next year.
I don't think we will.
Very shortly, The rear view mirror of the top 6 will look like this
(http://cdn.pcwallart.com/images/lions-roaring-wallpaper-1.jpg)
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Not too far off the play-offs.
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I still think we need to get used to this division, because we'll still be it in next year.
I don't think we will.
Very shortly, The rear view mirror of the top 6 will look like this
(http://cdn.pcwallart.com/images/lions-roaring-wallpaper-1.jpg)
Excellent.
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http://www.seagulls.co.uk//news/article/2016-17/brighton-hove-albion-3423941.aspx
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6 hours to get to the match from Birmingham. Hey ho.
Villa deserved to win.
2 1/4 hours to get back home.
Favourite chant.
We can see you,
We can see you,
Holding hands,
Holding hands.
The away Villa fans are fantastic. I salute all of you.
There may be other clubs that have better away support than the Villa.
But not many.
Did you just celebrate a homophobic chant?
Did we really sing that???
I'll let others say what I'm thinking.
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Hutton, Amavi, Agbonlahor - none of them up to it
You really want Cissokho playing again? He was giving away a penalty a game before he was taken out of the team.
Agree on the other two.
I thought second half, Amavi was superb. Sorted out his positioning, too.
Hutton is dreadful. His final ball isn't even a ball. Pathetic player.
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I don't understand the Amavi criticism either.
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I can, in the first half he was caught out of position on more than one occasion I think at half time someone had a word in his ear because he was a different player second half. I differ with those that say Westwood had a good game, for me he is ineffectual although his pointing is first class he will be replaced come January I hope.
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A man at the front had an unpleasant chant suggesting where an item that could be purchased at Ann Summers could be placed. In fairness he did stop when someone politely remonstrated with him. Homophobia hasn't gone away.
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What the hell has Tishibola done wrong?
Its difficult to criticize Bruce but this frustrates me. I really think we could be so much stronger in midfield with this guy playing.
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Hutton, Amavi, Agbonlahor - none of them up to it
You really want Cissokho playing again? He was giving away a penalty a game before he was taken out of the team.
Agree on the other two.
I thought second half, Amavi was superb. Sorted out his positioning, too.
Hutton is dreadful. His final ball isn't even a ball. Pathetic player.
I thought Amavi was close to being our motm.
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What the hell has Tishibola done wrong?
Its difficult to criticize Bruce but this frustrates me. I really think we could be so much stronger in midfield with this guy playing.
I agree. Can't believe he wasn't even sub (assuming he was available?).
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6 hours to get to the match from Birmingham. Hey ho.
Villa deserved to win.
2 1/4 hours to get back home.
Favourite chant.
We can see you,
We can see you,
Holding hands,
Holding hands.
The away Villa fans are fantastic. I salute all of you.
There may be other clubs that have better away support than the Villa.
But not many.
Did you just celebrate a homophobic chant?
Did we really sing that???
I'll let others say what I'm thinking.
A man at the front had an unpleasant chant suggesting where an item that could be purchased at Ann Summers could be placed. In fairness he did stop when someone politely remonstrated with him. Homophobia hasn't gone away.
That sounded quite an isolated incident, and respect to the fact that that it got challenged.
I think my concern is what seemed by all accounts such a positive night for the club could be tainted by the fact that yes homophobia hadn't just not gone away, but was expressed, by Villa fans. I think I have an unrealistic idea that, well as we say it on here sometimes 'we are better than that'.
I'll copy this whole post to the seperate homophobia thread to leave this one to be about the football, but just to explain I felt sad/concerned that maybe that'd it had been more prevalent?
And then found it bizarre to read someone writing about enjoying it. I guess that's the bit that shocked me.
Replies to that other thread maybe?
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Hutton, Amavi, Agbonlahor - none of them up to it
You really want Cissokho playing again? He was giving away a penalty a game before he was taken out of the team.
Agree on the other two.
Did I say I did?
I see Amavi as being the better of two poor evils but he's just not up to it
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6 hours to get to the match from Birmingham. Hey ho.
Villa deserved to win.
2 1/4 hours to get back home.
Favourite chant.
We can see you,
We can see you,
Holding hands,
Holding hands.
The away Villa fans are fantastic. I salute all of you.
There may be other clubs that have better away support than the Villa.
But not many.
Did you just celebrate a homophobic chant?
Did we really sing that???
I'll let others say what I'm thinking.
I'm thinking oh for Christ's sake don't be so righteous. And I say that as the father of an openly gay daughter.
-
6 hours to get to the match from Birmingham. Hey ho.
Villa deserved to win.
2 1/4 hours to get back home.
Favourite chant.
We can see you,
We can see you,
Holding hands,
Holding hands.
The away Villa fans are fantastic. I salute all of you.
There may be other clubs that have better away support than the Villa.
But not many.
Did you just celebrate a homophobic chant?
Did we really sing that???
I'll let others say what I'm thinking.
I'm thinking oh for Christ's sake don't be so righteous. And I say that as the father of an openly gay daughter.
I just commented on the homophones thread about Matt Lucas's opinion on the chant as an openly gaya football fan. He likes it.
It's not nasty as saying something like do you take it up the arse.
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I still think we need to get used to this division, because we'll still be it in next year.
I don't think we will.
Very shortly, The rear view mirror of the top 6 will look like this
(http://cdn.pcwallart.com/images/lions-roaring-wallpaper-1.jpg)
I like this. I hope you're right. I suppose when I see we're still 16th in the table, it makes me slightly less hopeful. For all our improvement, we still struggle to create chances in open play. We're going to have to score a lot of goals to win the matches we need to win, as one is rarely enough for us.
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I still think we need to get used to this division, because we'll still be it in next year.
I don't think we will.
Very shortly, The rear view mirror of the top 6 will look like this
(http://cdn.pcwallart.com/images/lions-roaring-wallpaper-1.jpg)
I like this. I hope you're right. I suppose when I see we're still 16th in the table, it makes me slightly less hopeful. For all our improvement, we still struggle to create chances in open play. We're going to have to score a lot of goals to win the matches we need to win, as one is rarely enough for us.
I still think we need a striker who can act as a focal point and bring it all together. Someone like that with the likes of Kodjia, Grealish and Ayew playing off him and it might just all come together.
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Hutton, Amavi, Agbonlahor - none of them up to it
You really want Cissokho playing again? He was giving away a penalty a game before he was taken out of the team.
Agree on the other two.
Did I say I did?
I see Amavi as being the better of two poor evils but he's just not up to it
I thought Amavi was poor for the first half, but much better in the second. To be fair to him he was left isolated as no one in midfield was covering him or Kodjia. But in the second half he had their winger largely in pocket.
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Hutton, Amavi, Agbonlahor - none of them up to it
You really want Cissokho playing again? He was giving away a penalty a game before he was taken out of the team.
Agree on the other two.
Did I say I did?
I see Amavi as being the better of two poor evils but he's just not up to it
I thought Amavi was poor for the first half, but much better in the second. To be fair to him he was left isolated as no one in midfield was covering him or Kodjia. But in the second half he had their winger largely in pocket.
Left isolated all season so far?
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Hutton, Amavi, Agbonlahor - none of them up to it
You really want Cissokho playing again? He was giving away a penalty a game before he was taken out of the team.
Agree on the other two.
Did I say I did?
I see Amavi as being the better of two poor evils but he's just not up to it
I thought Amavi was poor for the first half, but much better in the second. To be fair to him he was left isolated as no one in midfield was covering him or Kodjia. But in the second half he had their winger largely in pocket.
I agree with those sentiments. Amavi improved drastically in the second half and he appears to be enjoying playing for the club. Developing into a fine team player.
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Had a great trip down there as arrived early at one of the Park and Rides and after getting the first bus up there managed to find a nice little real ale boozer 10 minute walk from the ground to hole up in for a couple of hours. Quick pie before kick off (Piglet Pies are fucking ace) and despite a few empty away seats most people had arrived by the time we scored and despite their goal thought we dominated throughout. Away support was as good as ever. Getting back to the Park and Ride would have been a nightmare but we played dumb and pushed in the queue and we're back to the car by just after 10 and back home in High Wycombe for 11.15! Went with my Brother in Law a Man U fan and he was dead impressed with the fans and the team, says we're on the right path just need a bit more belief. He couldn't believe Brighton were second in the league.
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Brighton fans on train back was saying there hS been strikes on southern trains now for months and it just keeps getting worse taxi driver to us that they are not Llowed anywhere near the ground either
Like the saying
" if you build it they will come"
Yea but how you getting back
We got a taxi from the town centre and he dropped us in a car park right by the ground. Cost us 25 quid. Couple of bevvies in the ground after then got the train back after 5 mins wait. Straight in Wetherspoons by the station. Team played really well. Kodjia is looking like a bargain at 15 mill. One thing I don't like is the chant "your only here to see the Villa" I remember how much we hated Man U for that now we're doing it. Please stop it lads!
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Brighton fans on train back was saying there hS been strikes on southern trains now for months and it just keeps getting worse taxi driver to us that they are not Llowed anywhere near the ground either
Like the saying
" if you build it they will come"
Yea but how you getting back
We got a taxi from the town centre and he dropped us in a car park right by the ground. Cost us 25 quid. Couple of bevvies in the ground after then got the train back after 5 mins wait. Straight in Wetherspoons by the station. Team played really well. Kodjia is looking like a bargain at 15 mill. One thing I don't like is the chant "your only here to see the Villa" I remember how much we hated Man U for that now we're doing it. Please stop it lads!
I love that chant!! Come on it's a bit of humorous piss taking.
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Brighton fans on train back was saying there hS been strikes on southern trains now for months and it just keeps getting worse taxi driver to us that they are not Llowed anywhere near the ground either
Like the saying
" if you build it they will come"
Yea but how you getting back
We got a taxi from the town centre and he dropped us in a car park right by the ground. Cost us 25 quid. Couple of bevvies in the ground after then got the train back after 5 mins wait. Straight in Wetherspoons by the station. Team played really well. Kodjia is looking like a bargain at 15 mill. One thing I don't like is the chant "your only here to see the Villa" I remember how much we hated Man U for that now we're doing it. Please stop it lads!
I love that chant!! Come on it's a bit of humorous piss taking.
It makes us sound ike arrogant twats imo!
And while I'm on one I also don't like "Birmingham are you listening" We ARE from Birmingham so it makes no sense. "Small heath are you listening" would be better.
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Amavi was better once Gabby went off. Kodija doesn't offer him enough support.
Kodija wasn't involved enough out wide, but still had a good couple of chances when went in the middle.
Adomah was very good and so was Jedinak. The players look much fitter.
Grealish and Ayew looked very good, easily up there with the best players in the league.
Gabby was just Gabby. We need rid of him ASAP.
Good performance and a shame we couldn't have taken 3 points
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6 hours to get to the match from Birmingham. Hey ho.
Villa deserved to win.
2 1/4 hours to get back home.
Favourite chant.
We can see you,
We can see you,
Holding hands,
Holding hands.
The away Villa fans are fantastic. I salute all of you.
There may be other clubs that have better away support than the Villa.
But not many.
Did you just celebrate a homophobic chant?
Did we really sing that???
I'll let others say what I'm thinking.
I'm thinking oh for Christ's sake don't be so righteous. And I say that as the father of an openly gay daughter.
That was indeed one of the thoughts I had, was I being just that.
That came in part as it seemed so open to celebrate it, and I think *that* was the bit that surprised me, on top of disappointment it was heard at all.
Further thoughts were, well no, I don't think it's self-righteous/overly PC, there is a need to draw a line when trying to rein stuff in. This is where culture change happens, and I tend towards a naive optimism/pride around our fans. I've said more in the homophobia thread, shared what I've learned re: how common that chant was recently/maybe still is.
Anyway well done to all that made it & supported Villa so well.
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6 hours to get to the match from Birmingham. Hey ho.
Villa deserved to win.
2 1/4 hours to get back home.
Favourite chant.
We can see you,
We can see you,
Holding hands,
Holding hands.
The away Villa fans are fantastic. I salute all of you.
There may be other clubs that have better away support than the Villa.
But not many.
Did you just celebrate a homophobic chant?
Did we really sing that???
I'll let others say what I'm thinking.
I'm thinking oh for Christ's sake don't be so righteous. And I say that as the father of an openly gay daughter.
I just commented on the homophones thread about Matt Lucas's opinion on the chant as an openly gaya football fan. He likes it.
It's not nasty as saying something like do you take it up the arse.
I tend to agree think though I think it's moot
Not like "your brother is a queer" which was just horrible when you look back. Horrible
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One thing I don't like is the chant "your only here to see the Villa" I remember how much we hated Man U for that now we're doing it. Please stop it lads!
Me neither, it's cringeworthy. It's also not particularly clever, as it might be one thing to chant it at an FA Cup tie against lower league opposition, but to chant it at a league game when we're in the same division as the opposition team simply serves to show up our own fall from loftier levels.
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I agree it's embarrassing
As is chanting "who are ya" when we do something like score an equaliser against Blackburn
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Amavi was better once Gabby went off. Kodija doesn't offer him enough support.
Kodija wasn't involved enough out wide, but still had a good couple of chances when went in the middle.
Adomah was very good and so was Jedinak. The players look much fitter.
Grealish and Ayew looked very good, easily up there with the best players in the league.
Gabby was just Gabby. We need rid of him ASAP.
Good performance and a shame we couldn't have taken 3 points
I agree with that first line, I love Kodjia but doesn't (and shouldn't) track back and support a fullback. Most of Amavi's positional errors were because he had the winger drifiting inside and fullback bombing on and he was caught between the 2. Once Ayew came on and was coverig the fullback Amavi looked much more comfortable in defence.
If we want to play Kodjia as a wide striker I'd like to see us playing a false 9 instead of having someone right up top. If we could get Ayew playing a similar role on the right then RM and Grealish would be my choices for the central role. Then Jedi central and deep with Adomah slightly right side and a new midfielder slightly left could work. Would be easy enough to move people about to other formations as well.
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Brighton fans on train back was saying there hS been strikes on southern trains now for months and it just keeps getting worse taxi driver to us that they are not Llowed anywhere near the ground either
Like the saying
" if you build it they will come"
Yea but how you getting back
We got a taxi from the town centre and he dropped us in a car park right by the ground. Cost us 25 quid. Couple of bevvies in the ground after then got the train back after 5 mins wait. Straight in Wetherspoons by the station. Team played really well. Kodjia is looking like a bargain at 15 mill. One thing I don't like is the chant "your only here to see the Villa" I remember how much we hated Man U for that now we're doing it. Please stop it lads!
I love that chant!! Come on it's a bit of humorous piss taking.
It makes us sound ike arrogant twats imo!
And while I'm on one I also don't like "Birmingham are you listening" We ARE from Birmingham so it makes no sense. "Small heath are you listening" would be better.
Not singing about them at all would be best.
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Let's be honest, most chants by football fans are the sort of thing you hear in playgrounds - and seeing grown men join in with that non-league classic "it's the (whoever) boys making all the noise" is embarrassing.
since growing out of short trousers I only tend to join in with chants of "Villa" or things supportive of the team or a particular player maybe - so I don't get to join in much nowadays!
The new generation are more interested in filming other fans on their phones - what on earth for I've no idea.
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I thought Amavi was excellent - he kept one of their top creative players quiet all game long. He had one moment when our team had sort of moved right as a unit, Brighton lifted a diagonal ball across to their right winger and Amavi seemed to misjudge it. That's the only time I can remember him having a moment. I'd much rather him to Cissokho too.
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One thing I don't like is the chant "your only here to see the Villa" I remember how much we hated Man U for that now we're doing it. Please stop it lads!
Me neither, it's cringeworthy. It's also not particularly clever, as it might be one thing to chant it at an FA Cup tie against lower league opposition, but to chant it at a league game when we're in the same division as the opposition team simply serves to show up our own fall from loftier levels.
It was their 2nd highest attendance, only surpassed by the play-off match at home to Derby, it's a fair chant I reckon!!
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Brighton fans on train back was saying there hS been strikes on southern trains now for months and it just keeps getting worse taxi driver to us that they are not Llowed anywhere near the ground either
Like the saying
" if you build it they will come"
Yea but how you getting back
We got a taxi from the town centre and he dropped us in a car park right by the ground. Cost us 25 quid. Couple of bevvies in the ground after then got the train back after 5 mins wait. Straight in Wetherspoons by the station. Team played really well. Kodjia is looking like a bargain at 15 mill. One thing I don't like is the chant "your only here to see the Villa" I remember how much we hated Man U for that now we're doing it. Please stop it lads!
I love that chant!! Come on it's a bit of humorous piss taking.
It makes us sound ike arrogant twats imo!
And while I'm on one I also don't like "Birmingham are you listening" We ARE from Birmingham so it makes no sense. "Small heath are you listening" would be better.
Not singing about them at all would be best.
True lol
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Maybe we should have a list of what we may and may not chant and in what circumstances?
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Maybe we should have a list of what we may and may not chant and in what circumstances?
simples mate ........You cant chant anything that's homophobic or racist
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Maybe we should have a list of what we may and may not chant and in what circumstances?
simples mate ........You cant chant anything that's homophobic or racist
The kodjia song being sung on the concourse after the game was quite funny but won't go down well with many .
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Woah be tide anything that's fun
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They average 26000 and had 30000 on the gate. They had come to see the Villa.
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Nothing wrong with Birmingham are you listening a song that always reverberates around Villa Park with pride.
Anyway what are the Kodija song words?
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They average 26000 and had 30000 on the gate. They had come to see the Villa.
Yeah I didn't realise it was as high as 30k tbh, though it would be their usual 27-28k.
They got 29.5k v Norwich the other week....did Norwich bring as many as we did, I doubt it.
http://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/brighton/attendances
All here anyway.
One chant I've never really got from us......when we sign empty seats m'lord at VP when there's a couple of hundred empty in the away end....while we have 10k empty seats or so in the other three stands.
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Nothing wrong with Birmingham are you listening a song that always reverberates around Villa Park with pride.
Anyway what are the Kodija song words?
I'm old school. They will always be small time small heath to me. And as a bluenose at work always says they are THE birmingham club as most of Birmingham supports them an our fans are mainly from rural towns. Load of bollocks I know but singing a song aimed at taking the piss out of Birmingham just plays into their hands.
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Nothing wrong with Birmingham are you listening a song that always reverberates around Villa Park with pride.
Anyway what are the Kodija song words?
I'm old school. They will always be small time small heath to me. And as a bluenose at work always says they are THE birmingham club as most of Birmingham supports them an our fans are mainly from rural towns. Load of bollocks I know but singing a song aimed at taking the piss out of Birmingham just plays into their hands.
But it takes the piss out of the team not the City.
There is a song about the fun to be had in Birmingham however ;-)
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There's nothing small time in signing a out the Noses. They're our rivals, even if they're shite.
I fail to see how the "only come to see the Villa" chant is inaccurate. The Noses put 10,000 on their gate, Wednesday and Brighton put 4000 on, their part timers are all coming because they're playing us.
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There's nothing small time in signing a out the Noses. They're our rivals, even if they're shite.
I fail to see how the "only come to see the Villa" chant is inaccurate. The Noses put 10,000 on their gate, Wednesday and Brighton put 4000 on, their part timers are all coming because they're playing us.
We arent exactly box office though, are we?
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I met a family friend today, a qpr fan, who was at the Brighton game. He was very impressed with the Villa and our fans who he said, 'everyone was talking about'.
Well done chaps and chapesses.
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Maybe we should have a list of what we may and may not chant and in what circumstances?
mmmmmm
Like ALL Referees don't know what their doing ?
That they ALL need glasses ?
That NONE of them had a father ?
That Scousers really EAT dead dogs they happened to luckily find in their bin ?
That all Geordies SOB ?
That all players south of Watford are ALL dirty Cockney Bastards ?
Doesn't every Ipswich fan drive a tractor ?
Welsh football fans are ALL into bestiality ?
The Right side ? The left side ?
Tiswas ? Swap shop ?
Celtic/Rangers ?
Maybe delicate and easily offended football fans should stop going ? They may hear SWEAR words ?
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When I hear young lads & girls (16-19) singing My Old Man said be a city fan, and I said (well we know the rest)it makes me cringe, I wish we could think of different wording!
At Brighton, I thought the support was superb!